Cowboys DC Mike Zimmer Addresses Vikings Exit, Future HC Plans
Mike Zimmer was out of the NFL for the past two years after his tenure as head coach of the Vikings came to an end. He is now in place as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, a return to the role he held from 2000-06. 
Head coach Mike McCarthy is believed to have preferred promoting Joe Whitt to take over from Dan Quinn, but Zimmer will assume those duties after agreeing to once again work under owner Jerry Jones. Zimmer’s time in Minnesota did not end on a high note, though he received interest from other suitors this offseason before taking the Dallas gig. Comments he recently made when reflecting on his head coaching tenure illustrate the circumstances surrounding his departure.
In an interview with Mark Craig of the Minnesota Star Tribune, Zimmer admitted to his coaching approach and personality clashing with players and staff members at times. After he was fired, a number of public criticisms were levied against the 68-year-old, who noted that he “holds a grudge.” That is not the case for linebacker Eric Kendricks, who lamented the culture Zimmer established in Minnesota but chose to sign with the Cowboys in free agency because doing so allowed him to reunite with his former head coach. Kendricks will play a key role in Dallas’ efforts to improve against the run under Zimmer.
The latter added that his relationship with Vikings ownership and ex-general manager Rick Spielman deteriorated during the end of his time in Minnesota. The 2021 draft in particular – during which Spielman attempted to move up in the first round to select Justin Fields and ultimately selected fellow quarterback Kellen Mond in the third – did not sit well with Zimmer, who wanted more emphasis to be placed on defensive additions. The longtime staffer said he and Spielman have not spoken since the 2021 campaign, their last working together.
Minnesota posted a record of 8-8 or better each year from 2015-19. That span included five total postseason contests across three years, but the Vikings were unable to proceed past the divisional round during Zimmer’s tenure. After going a combined 15-18 during their last two years in place, Zimmer and Spielman were fired once the 2021 season ended. A head coaching gig could await Zimmer depending on how he performs in Dallas, but he does not appear to be eyeing a return to that role.
“Guys with worse records than me have gotten second chances, but I don’t see it happening because of my age,” Zimmer – who sports a .562 winning percentage – said. “And now teams also want whoever can coach the quarterback. It is what it is.”
McCarthy’s inability to translate 12-win seasons into playoff success over the past three years has left him on the hot seat entering 2024. The coming campaign represents the final one of his contract, and last year’s underwhelming wild-card loss is the main reason Jones has not authorized a new deal for the former Super Bowl winner. McCarthy’s focus will remain on the Cowboys’ offense in 2024, but expectations will be high for Zimmer to help the team remain strong against the pass while overseeing improvement in the front seven. The future of bother staffers beyond this year is uncertain, but improving his stock may not lead to Zimmer pursuing a second head coaching gig.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 8/29/24
PFR’s practice squad rundown, signaling we are indeed close to games that count, begins Thursday. Here is how teams began to handle their 16-man P-squads.
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: TE Jordan Murray, DL PJ Mustipher, OL Luke Tenuta
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Monty Rice, OL Elijah Wilkinson
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: OL Ja’Tyre Carter, WR Jalen Coker, TE Feleipe Franks, LB Thomas Incoom, DE Tarron Jackson, DT Jayden Peevy, S Demani Richardson
Chicago Bears
- Signed: OL Chris Glaser, DL Sam Roberts
- Released: DB Quindell Johnson, DL Dashaun Mallory
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: G Tashawn Manning, RB Kendall Milton, DT Justin Rogers, DE Isaiah Thomas
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: RB Gary Brightwell, WR Tulu Griffin, TE Cameron Latu, TE Blake Whiteheart
- Released: LS Rex Sunahara
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: DT Phil Hoskins, CB Amani Oruwariye
Detroit Lions
- Released: S C.J. Moore
Houston Texans
- Signed: T Braeden Daniels, TE Cole Fotheringham, WR Xavier Johnson, S Mark Perry, QB Kedon Slovis
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: DT McTelvin Agim, DE Titus Leo, TE Sean McKeon, G Atonio Mafi, K Spencer Shrader
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: OL Blake Hance, S Matthew Jackson, WR Louis Rees-Zammit
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: TE Justin Shorter
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: S Tony Jefferson, C Sam Mustipher, TE Eric Tomlinson
- Released: CB Robert Kennedy
Los Angeles Rams
- Released: RB Zach Evans
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: QB Tim Boyle
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: T Ricky Lee, RB Zavier Scott
- Released: WR Jeshaun Jones, RB DeWayne McBride
New England Patriots
- Signed: DE Brevin Allen, G Jerome Carvin, DT Trysten Hill, C Bryan Hudson, G Michael Jordan, WR Jalen Reagor
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: T Austin Deculus, TE Treyton Welch
- Released: TE Mason Fairchild
New York Giants
- Signed: CB Art Green, DT Elijah Garcia, CB Duke Shelley
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: OL Brett Toth
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: CB Anthony Averett, FB Jack Colletto, CB Zyon Gilbert, CB Thomas Graham Jr., LB Marcus Haynes, DL Jacob Slade, RB Jonathan Ward, TE Rodney Williams
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: WR Terrace Marshall, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: CB Josh Jobe, LB Tyreke Smith
- Released: T Raiqwon O’Neal
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: C Avery Jones, T Lorenz Metz, WR Ryan Miller, WR Cody Thompson
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: DL James Lynch
Washington Commanders
- Signed: LB Jalen Graham, CB Bobby Price
Slovis went to camp with the Colts, joining the team as a UDFA this year. Houston placed Case Keenum on IR and released Tim Boyle, who is now the Dolphins’ P-squad QB. Slovis, who played at USC, Pittsburgh and BYU in college, is now the Texans’ de facto third-stringer.
Shelley has 11 career starts — with the Bears and Vikings — on his resume. He joined the Raiders last year but ended up with the Rams, playing in 11 games as a backup. The Giants have spent time searching for a cornerback answer, having not been too satisfied with their Cor’Dale Flott–Nick McCloud CB2 competition. New York did not make any waiver claims at the position Wednesday.
Reagor, who played for the Patriots last season, is back after being released earlier this week. The former Minnesota first-rounder played in 11 New England games last season, returning a kick for a touchdown. Latu joins the Browns after being a 49ers cut. The 2023 third-round pick missed all of last season with an ACL tear. Jefferson is back with the Bolts hours after being released.
Vikings Sign QB Brett Rypien, Waive QB Jaren Hall
Brett Rypien has not needed to wait long to find a new gig. The veteran quarterback signed with the Vikings on Thursday, per a team announcement. 
In a corresponding move, 2023 fifth-rounder Jaren Hall has been waived. Minnesota’s depth chart is still set at the top with Sam Darnold and Nick Mullens. In the wake of rookie J.J. McCarthy‘s season-ending season-ending meniscus surgery, though, the team looked into options for the third quarterback role. Matt Corral was briefly with the team, but he was among the Vikings’ initial roster cuts.
That move had Hall positioned to remain on the 53-man roster, but instead he will now hit the waiver wire. The BYU product made three appearances and two starts during his rookie season after Kirk Cousins‘ Achilles tear. Minnesota allowed Cousins to depart in free agency, adding Darnold on a one-year deal and moving up in the first round of the draft to select McCarthy. The Vikings have moved quickly in adding Rypien as a Hall replacement for the QB3 role.
Rypien was joined by Austin Reed in attempting land a spot with the Bears in 2024. Both passers wound up being cut, although the latter has since been signed to the practice squad. Rypien immediately became a free agent upon being released, a move which left him on the move yet again in his career. The 28-year-old made three starts during a span between 2020 and ’22 with the Broncos, but he has bounced around since that point. He has landed deals with the Rams, Seahawks and Jets in addition to the Bears pact in signed in March. Now, Rypien will look to carve out a role with his next NFC North team.
For Hall, meanwhile, the waiver process will allow teams to put in a claim if they are interested in adding him to their active rosters. Failing that, he will become a free agent eligible to re-sign with the Vikings or join a new team via a practice squad agreement. Minnesota general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said (via Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune) the team does indeed hope to keep the 26-year-old in place via the taxi squad. That move will be possible by the end of the week if no claim is put in.
Wednesday NFL Transactions: NFC North
Following the 53-man roster cutdown deadline Tuesday, many teams will make slight tweaks to their rosters. In addition to waiver claims, teams can begin constructing their 16-man practice squads today. These Bears, Lions, Packers and Vikings moves are noted below.
Chicago Bears
Signed:
Claimed:
Placed on IR:
Signed to practice squad:
- LB Micah Baskerville, OL Theo Benedet, TE Stephen Carlson, DL Byron Cowart, OL Jake Curhan, LS Scott Daly, WR Collin Johnson, DB Quindell Johnson, LB Carl Jones, DL Jamree Kromah, DL Dashaun Mallory, DB Tarvarius Moore, QB Austin Reed, DB Reddy Stewart, DB Ro Torrence, WR Samori Toure
Detroit Lions
Signed:
Claimed:
- LB Trevor Nowaske,
Signed to practice squad:
- LB Mitchell Agude, C Kingsley Eguakun, QB Jake Fromm, RB Jermar Jefferson, T Jamarco Jones, WR Tom Kennedy, TE James Mitchell, S C.J. Moore, DL Pat O’Connor, WR Tim Patrick, DL Kyle Peko, WR Allen Robinson, DL Chris Smith, DL Isaac Ukwu, TE Shane Zylstra
Green Bay Packers
Signed:
Claimed:
Signed to practice squad:
- DL Deslin Alexandre, QB Sean Clifford, DL James Ester, K Alex Hale, WR Julian Hicks, OL Donovan Jennings, CB Kalen King, RB Nate McCrary, RB Ellis Merriweather, CB Robert Rochell, G/C Lecitus Smith
Minnesota Vikings
Signed:
Claimed:
Signed to practice squad:
- G Henry Byrd, DE Andre Carter II, RB Myles Gaskin, LB Dallas Grant, TE N’Keal Harry, WR Lucky Jackson, WR Jeshaun Jones, DeWayne McBride, S Bobby McCain, LB Bo Richter, OL Tyrese Robinson, WR Thayer Thomas, TE Robert Tonyan, CB Jaylin Williams, DL Jonah Williams, CB Nahshon Wright
2024 NFL Waiver Order
Waiver claims can begin coming in at 11am CT. While the waiver order will depend on 2024 records in several weeks, teams’ 2023 finishes currently determine it. Here is how the waiver priority list stacks up heading into today’s round of claims:
- Carolina Panthers
- Washington Commanders
- New England Patriots
- Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Chargers
- New York Giants
- Tennessee Titans
- Atlanta Falcons
- Chicago Bears
- New York Jets
- Minnesota Vikings
- Denver Broncos
- Las Vegas Raiders
- New Orleans Saints
- Indianapolis Colts
- Seattle Seahawks
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Los Angeles Rams
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Miami Dolphins
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Cleveland Browns
- Dallas Cowboys
- Green Bay Packers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Houston Texans
- Buffalo Bills
- Detroit Lions
- Baltimore Ravens
- San Francisco 49ers
- Kansas City Chiefs
Vikings Cut Robert Tonyan, Kene Nwangwu To Move Down To 53
The Vikings will begin the season without T.J. Hockenson. In addition to the standout tight end, Minnesota will be without some other notable names. Here is how the Vikings trimmed their roster to 53:
Released:
- TE N’Keal Harry
- CB Duke Shelley
- RB Myles Gaskin
- DB Bobby McCain
- DL James Lynch
- TE Robert Tonyan
- DL Jonah Williams
Waived:
- RB Kene Nwangwu
- CB Nahshon Wright
- OLB Andre Carter II
- OL Henry Byrd
- G Tyrese Robinson
- WR Lucky Jackson
- WR Jeshaun Jones
- WR Thayer Thomas
- DL Jaquelin Roy
- LB Dallas Gant
- OLB Bo Richter
Waived/injured:
- WR Malik Knowles
Placed on season-ending IR:
Placed on IR/return designation:
- OLB Gabriel Murphy
- G Dalton Risner
Vikings Waive S Lewis Cine
Known throughout the offseason to be on the Vikings’ roster bubble, Lewis Cine has indeed been let go. The third-year safety was released on Tuesday, as noted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. 
Minnesota held trade talks regarding Cine, Fowler adds. To little surprise, however, no suitor was found and as a result the Georgia alum will hit the waiver wire. It will be interesting to see if any teams put in a claim knowing it is now no longer necessary to acquire him using draft capital.
Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune reports that “several teams” showed interest in Cine earlier today. That could lead to a number of potential suitors submitting a waiver claim. The priority for waiver moves is determined by 2023 regular season standings for cutdowns through the first three weeks of the regular season. In the event Cine, 24, were to go unclaimed, he would become a free agent.
After a strong college career, expectations were high for Cine entering the NFL. The final first-round pick of the 2022 draft class was limited to just three games during his rookie season due to a broken leg, though. Last season, he only made seven appearances and logged just eight defensive snaps while playing a special teams role. Minnesota has a number of other safeties ahead of Cine on the depth chart, and instead of another campaign in a minor capacity he will turn his attention to a fresh start.
Harrison Smith, Josh Metellus and Camryn Bynum are among the players set to log a heavy workload on the backend for the Vikings this season. Cine will be in a new setting by Week 1 as he attempts to carve out a defensive role and live up to his draft stock.
Vikings To Move TE T.J. Hockenson To Reserve/PUP List
Kevin O’Connell has labeled T.J. Hockenson as ahead of schedule on his rehab from ACL and MCL tears, but the standout Vikings tight end was not expected to begin the season on time. He will not do so, the team ensured Tuesday.
Minnesota is shifting Hockenson from the active/PUP list to the reserve/PUP list, per ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter. This anticipated transaction will sideline the veteran pass catcher for at least the season’s first four games.
Hockenson will join J.J. McCarthy as key Minnesota offensive pieces out of the equation in September. Unlike the first-round quarterback, however, Hockenson will be expected to return this season. Hockenson nearly reached 1,000 receiving yards last year, after having signed a lucrative Vikings extension, but the knee maladies intervened. The former Lions top-10 draftee went down in Week 16, and the setback will indeed affect his 2024 slate.
Sam Darnold will still have Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison to target to open the season, unless the latter receives a suspension for his DUI arrest before that point, but the bridge QB should have Hockenson at his disposal before too long. The sixth-year tight end went down on Christmas Eve; this PUP transaction will move his recovery past the nine-month point. That is standard for ACL tears, with Adrian Peterson‘s historic 2012 comeback in Minnesota one of the exceptions.
Hockenson, 27, amassed 960 yards last season, doing so despite not making it through Week 16. Also getting there as the Vikings completed a season in which they started four quarterbacks, Hockenson quickly showed he was worthy of the top-market extension he signed. The Vikings will give him time to recapture that form; the Iowa alum is signed through the 2027 season. Johnny Mundt, Josh Oliver and free agency addition Robert Tonyan, who has completed the NFC North sweep by being aligned with Minnesota, headline Minnesota’s tight end group for the time being.
Vikings Cut 14 Players
The Vikings made their first wave of roster cuts today, announcing that the following 14 players have been cut:
- G Matt Cindric
- QB Matt Corral
- OL Chuck Filiaga
- CB A.J. Green III
- WR Justin Hall
- RB Mo Ibrahim
- TE Neal Johnson
- DL Tyler Manoa
- RB DeWayne McBride
- OL Doug Nester
- OLB Owen Porter
- TE Sammis Reyes
- OL Spencer Rolland
- CB Jaylin Williams
13 of these 14 players were waived, with A.J. Green III representing the only player who was technically released. The defensive back spent the first four seasons of his career in Cleveland, collecting 40 tackles and a pair of interceptions. He caught on with the Vikings via a reserve/futures contract back in January.
Matt Corral will now look to continue his career elsewhere. The former third-round pick caught on with the Vikings earlier this month following J.J. McCarthy‘s season-ending injury, but the Vikings will temporarily move forward with a QB grouping of Sam Darnold, Nick Mullens, and Jaren Hall. Corral still hasn’t gotten into a regular season game in stints with the Panthers and Patriots, although he did show some promise during his brief stint in the UFL.
DeWayne McBride was a seventh-round pick by the Vikings just last year, but he ended up spending the majority of his rookie campaign on the practice squad. There’s a chance he follows a similar path in 2024, although he’ll still only be fifth on the organization’s RB depth chart. McBride had a standout career at UAB, including 2021 and 2022 campaigns where he compiled 3,084 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Vikings To Place G Dalton Risner On IR
The Vikings will be shorthanded along the offensive line to begin the season. Veteran guard Dalton Risner is set to land on injured reserve, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
As a result of the move, Risner will be unavailable for the first four weeks of the campaign. The 29-year-old made 15 appearances in 2023, his first in Minnesota. That stretch included 11 starts, so being without him for a notable stretch will deal a blow to the team’s O-line.
Risner had a lengthy free agent spell last offseason, landing a one-year pact from the Vikings. He had been angling for a long-term commitment again this spring, but his first-team role did not generate as large of a market as he expected. In the end, the Kansas State product inked a one-year, $2.41MM contract to again compete for a starting gig with the Vikings.
Blake Brandel was the other top option in the training camp competition for the left guard role. Today’s news means he will take on first-team duties at least until Risner returns to full health. The time at which that takes place will be key for the former Broncos draftee, since playing time incentives are present in his contract. His 2025 market value will take a hit in the wake of his absence, but for now attention will be placed on a return to the field.
Center Garrett Bradbury and right tackle Brian O’Neill remain in place as full-time starters up front for Minnesota, and left tackle Christian Darrisaw landed a big-ticket extension this offseason. That trio is set to be joined by Ed Ingram at right guard in 2024, having served as a first-team option during each of his first two seasons in the league. The left guard spot could see competition once Risner is back in the fold, but that will not take place until at least Week 5.